Update from Lyn (foster mom)Phoenix was probably given his first bath in his life time on his first day after arriving at 2:15 Saturday, September 22 morning. He was still very scared, nervous to move, didn’t look at anyone or anything. He was so dirty that when he was rinsed off, the water ran brown. His ears were combed to scrape off the dirt and scabs. On his head we found 4 puncture wounds, which we believe was from a bite from another dog.

When we dried him off, he looked like he felt so much better but still tried to hide under a coffee table.

Then he went for his first walk ever on a leash. He did really well for a dog that most likely has never known how to walk on a leash. Every car we walked by he tried to hide under; he is very withdrawn but will thrive with much love and affection and with everyone rooting for him!

The next day, Phoenix was invited to attend a training class and when everyone met him, people instantly fell in love with him. He did really well at his training class, and he was very calm with all of the other dogs in the class. I don’t believe there is a mean bone is this little boy. We can’t thank everyone enough for sponsoring to save this precious boy. Just know that your donation has enabled City Dogs to save this amazingly sweet soul and for that, we cannot thank you enough!!

On Monday, September 24, it was time for his neutering. He was taken to the local Humane Society in Charles County, Maryland for this procedure.

He was tested for all of the tick and flea borne diseases, and did test positive for erlichia. Erlichia can make a dog lethargic and depressed, which he was both! He also has demodectic mange which is NOT contagious. What happens in these young little guys is if not properly cared for with nutrition, their immune systems can and do become diminished which doesn’t allow for them to keep the mites that live in everyone’s skin in check, and when that happens you start to see patches of hair loss. He only has a couple of spots of hair loss, and is currently on medication for that as well.

With the right kind of TLC, Phoenix will forget his past and look forward to being a real dog. We have already seen him come out of his shell and run and play, but still becomes very nervous and submissive and frightened when approached, he will lie down and show his belly or slink away and try and hide. Phoenix is now learning how to be in a home without being frightened and already grabbed a toy from a doggy basket. He’s on his way!

Phoenix looks so clean and fresh after his bath! Glad to hear he has a great foster mom now- he deserve it!

Reply

Peter

9/29/2012 12:56:11 pm

Dear Lyn,
Thank you and God bless you for fostering Phoenix. You are undoubtedly aware of how badly homeless dogs throughout the world suffer and the many acts of cruelty committed against dogs, whether or not homeless. Every time the fellowship of dog lovers learn about such horrific acts through sites like City Dogs Rescue, they understandably react with outrage and anger. This generates a tremendous amount of negative energy, which compounds what was previously created by the needless suffering and cruelty. This fact highlights the crucial importance of persons like you who foster homeless pets. You don't just alleviate their suffering (although that would be good enough!). Also, through your example, you inspire others to do likewise, and thereby begin to tilt the scales in favor of kindness and generosity.

Reply

Stacey

10/4/2012 11:59:05 am

Thank you for saving all the dogs you do, especially ones in this shape. Ugh....it is so sad what some of mankind does to animals, who love unconditionally.
We have a black lab. She was the runt of her litter & nobody was taking her. My brother in law finally took her in and now she is loved by all my family & everyone who visits (except 2 mailmen we have. BOO to them :( ). They are wonderful dogs & I pray for sweet Phoenix. This story melts me. God bless !

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Pat

10/8/2012 08:12:37 am

Thank you city dogs for everything you do to save and find homes for these dogs in need. Like Phoenix my Elizabeth was nervous & afraid of everything & only crawled when i got her. She came from bladen county and is now a completely different dog now that she is out of that shelter envirement & knows she is safe & loved. Best of luck to Phoenix and his new family & thanks again for giving these dogs a second chance at life.

Reply

Gregory

12/31/2012 01:26:21 am

Happy to report Phoenix is happy and healthy and is just a total Joy to be around. Maybe we can get another update on him soon. His transformation has been amazing to watch.